Walking tour to highlight rich history of Van Nest, and Morris Park to get spruced up for local celebration

By TANYANIKA SAMUELS

|NEW YORK DAILY NEWS|

Sep 27, 2012 | 6:00 AM

Slain police officer Alfred Loreto. (NYPD)

Even though he was off-duty, Officer Alfred Loreto sprang into action after two gunmen robbed and kidnapped the owner of a local butcher shop.

It was the summer of 1950 when the young cop gave chase through the streets of Van Nest and Morris Park , and ultimately lost his life.

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Loreto, for whom a park is named on Morris Park Ave., is among the compelling histories to be told during the "Van Nest & Morris Park Weekend" celebration on Saturday and Sunday.

The events mark the 120th anniversary of Van Nest and the 100th anniversary of Morris Park in 2013.

On Saturday, a walking tour dubbed "Ravioli to Cannoli" will explore the cultural and historical roots of Van Nest.

"We'll be touching base in a number of spots in the neighborhood and how it has developed in the past 120 years," said Rich Vitacco , of the East Bronx History Forum.

Highlights will include an insider's view of the Unionport Train Yard, St. Martha's Episcopal Church, Engine 90/Ladder 41 Firehouse and Matthews-Muliner Park among other noted sites.

The two-hour walking tour also will venture past the homes of such famous Van Nest residents: Army Gen. James F. Collins, who earned the Silve Star while serving in World War II, lived on Unionport Road; Brigadier Gen. William Fiorentino, also a decorated war hero, lived on Hunt Ave.; and Black Panther activist Stokely Carmichael lived on Amethyst St. with his family in 1953.

Notably, all three graduated from the long-gone Public School 34, whose history will also be included in the tour. The old school grounds is now the site of a housing complex for seniors.

"Long-timers may be aware of some of the history but it's always good for people to know a little bit more about your surroundings and where you live," Vitacco said.

"Ravioli to Cannoli" will start at 11 a.m. at Riviera Ravioli at Morris Park Ave. and Unionport Road.

On Sunday, the celebration s hifts to beautifying Morris Park.

From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. starting at Morris Park and Radcliff Aves., the Pelham Parkway Citizens Conservation Corps and the Morris Park Community A ssociation will lead participants in watering and adopting the newly-planted cherry and lilac trees, as well as revitalizing littered and weed-ridden tree beds and sidewalks.